System and method for providing information to users based on the user&#39;s location

ABSTRACT

A system for providing an advisory communication to a user via a mobile unit includes locating means for locating the position of the mobile unit and sending means for sending a communication to the mobile unit. The mobile unit includes alerting means for alerting the user of the communication. The advisory communication can include information relating to an approaching emergency vehicle, an accident scene, road conditions, a traffic signal, traffic conditions, or weather conditions.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from U.S. application Ser. No.09/659,074 filed Sep. 11, 2000, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,647,270 onNov. 11, 2003, which in turn claims priority from U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/153,424 filed Sep. 10, 1999, which are incorporatedby reference as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND

The present invention generally relates to communication systems. Moreparticularly, the invention relates to a mobile communication systemwhich allows mobile vehicles to communicate with neighboring vehiclesand roadside communication networks.

Various communication systems have been used by automobile drivers tocommunicate with other vehicles while the vehicle is in motion. Whilemany advances have been made in vehicle to vehicle communication,numerous disadvantages still remain in using conventional communicationsystems.

Conventional mobile communication systems include cellular telephonesand CB or two-way radio. When using a cell phone as a means of mobilecommunication, there is no practical way of discovering whether aneighboring vehicle operator possesses a cell phone. Additionally, thereis no process for determining the phone number of the targeted cellphone. Accordingly, the cell phone as a communication medium is severelylimited.

CB radio is a widely broadcast public medium where mobile users may talkto other mobile or stationary users in their vicinity. However, sincethere is no ability to prevent others from listening, there is noprivacy between mobile communicators.

Automobile accidents are one of the greatest causes of serious injuryand fatalities in society. Accordingly, the development of improvedcontrol and warning systems to minimize personal and financial lossesresulting from automobile accidents is of utmost importance. Thelimitations of present forms of communication are even more severe whenconsidering the extent to which a communication link can improve boththe driving experience and the safety statistics of modern vehicles.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a communication link among vehicles whicheliminates these pitfalls. The system comprises a broadband RFtransceiver with antenna, a position determining means (such as a GPSreceiver) an audio-visual interface, an electromechanical interface, anda microprocessor with associated memory. These components areincorporated into a mobile unit located within each vehicle.

The GPS receiver receives signals from GPS satellites and calculates theposition of the vehicle. The microprocessor carries out overall controlof the system. The memory includes identification information that isunique to each vehicle. In response to input from the GPS receiver,information received by the transceiver and instructions input by thevehicle operator via the audio-visual interface, the microprocessordetermines the necessary subsequent actions.

The transmission from a vehicle may include information describing thestatus of the vehicle for use by the receiving vehicle. For example, thetransmission may provide information regarding the speed, direction, andposition of the transmitting vehicle. This information is received andprocessed by the receiving vehicle to provide a visual or audibledisplay of the position, direction, and speed of the transmittingvehicle.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided acommunication system for transmitting information between a mobile unitwithin a vehicle traveling on a road and a fixed communication networkinstalled on a roadside. The fixed communication network includes a basestation having a transceiver for communicating with the vehicle bytransmitting and receiving a plurality of communication packets. Thiscommunication can include payment instructions, security instructions,and/or access codes which can be transmitted with or withoutintervention by the vehicle operator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 shows a vehicle communication system embodying the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a mobile unit in accordance with thepreferred embodiment.

FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating the contents of a communication packettransmitted by the mobile unit shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3B illustrates the header of the communication packet.

FIG. 3C illustrates the information fields of the header's transmissionadministration.

FIG. 3D illustrates the information fields of the header's senderportion.

FIG. 3E illustrates the information fields of the header's receiverportion.

FIG. 3F illustrates the sub fields contained in the identificationnumber field.

FIG. 4A illustrates the memory of a typical mobile unit shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4B is a diagram of a vehicle communication log.

FIG. 4C is a diagram of a vehicle user log.

FIG. 4D is a diagram of a vehicle contact log.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of the procedure utilized by the microprocessorupon receipt of a communication packet.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of the procedure for processing communicationpackets.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

The preferred embodiment will be described with reference to the drawingfigures where identical numerals represent similar elements throughout.

A vehicle communication system embodying the present invention is shownin FIG. 1. The vehicle communication system 10 generally includes one ormore base stations 14, each of which is in wireless communication with aplurality of remote units 16. Although the remote units 16 may be fixedor mobile, they will be referred to hereinafter for simplicity as mobileunits 16. Each mobile unit 16 can communicate with another mobile unit16, the closest base station 14, or the base station 14 which providesthe strongest communication signal. The base stations 14 communicatewith a base station controller 20, which coordinates communicationsamong base stations 14 and mobile units 16. The communication system 10may be connected to a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 22,wherein the base station controller 20 also coordinates communicationsbetween the base stations 14 and the PSTN 22. Preferably, each basestation 14, communicates with the base station controller 20 over awireless link, although a land line may also be provided. A land line isparticularly applicable when a base station 14 is in close proximity tothe base station controller 20. The fixed remote units 16 may alsocommunicate with a base station 14 over a land line.

The base station controller 20 performs several functions. Primarily,the base station controller 20 provides all of the operations,administrative, and maintenance (OA&M) signaling associated withestablishing and maintaining all of the wireless communications betweenthe mobile units 16, the base stations 14, and the base stationcontroller 20. The base station controller 20 can provide the routing ofall communications between mobile units 16, and between the mobile units16 and the PSTN 22. The base station controller 20 also provides aninterface between the mobile units 16 and the PSTN 22. This interfaceincludes multiplexing and demultiplexing of the communication signalsthat enter and leave the system 10 via the base station controller 20.Although the vehicle communication system 10 is shown employing antennasto transmit radio frequency (RF) signals, one skilled in the art shouldrecognize that communications may be accomplished via microwave orsatellite uplinks. Additionally, the functions of the base stationcontroller 20 may be combined with a base station 14 to form a “masterbase station”.

A preferred embodiment of the mobile unit 16 is shown in FIG. 2. Eachmobile unit includes an RF transceiver 32 with an antenna 33 capable oftransmitting and receiving a plurality of RF signals, a globalpositioning system (GPS) receiver 35, a microprocessor 40 withassociated memory 41, an interface to the vehicle's electromechanicalsystems 44, and an audio-visual interface 46.

The RF transceiver 32 transmits and receives RF signals at a pluralityof RF frequencies to one or more vehicles which include a mobile unit16. Received signals are downloaded to baseband and forwarded to themicroprocessor 40 for further processing. Transmitted signals areforwarded from the microprocessor 40 to the RF transceiver 32 forupconversion and transmission over one of the plurality of RFfrequencies. The vehicle communication system 10 also provides for theoption of transmitting a communication over currently licensed radiostation channels, for example 105.9 FM. This can permit mobile unitoperator to broadcast to non-mobile unit operators. It also can providea “scanning channel”, such that non-mobile unit operators can listen tobroadcast communications.

The GPS receiver 35 is configured to receive signals from GPS satellitesand compute the position of the mobile unit 16. There are manycommercially available GPS receivers 35 that can perform such afunction. GPS readings which are provided to the microprocessor 40permit the microprocessor 40 to accurately calculate the speed,direction, and acceleration or deceleration rate of the vehicle.

The microprocessor 40 provides central control of the mobile unit 16. Aswill be explained in greater detail hereinafter, the microprocessor 40also performs packet handling, including packet assembling for outgoingcommunication packets 50 and packet disassembling for incomingcommunication packets 50 received from the RF transceiver 32.Communication packets 50 received by the microprocessor 40 are stored inmemory 41. The memory 41 is also used to store identificationinformation that is unique to each vehicle and/or vehicle operator. Forexample, license and registration for each vehicle can be read ifpositioned with a bar code or magnetic strip in a specific location ofthe vehicle. Optionally, the system may have a card reader where theoperator must place their card prior to the vehicle starting. This cardcan be a license with a magnetic strip or a smartcard that identifiesthe driver and the vehicle. This unique information regarding thevehicle may also include the position of the vehicle, speed of thevehicle and rate of acceleration or deceleration as calculated by dataobtained from the GPS receiver 35.

The audio-visual interface (AVI) 46 preferably includes a microphone,speakers, and graphic display along with alphanumeric and directionalkeypads. However, those of skill in the art should realize that the AVI46 may encompass other input devices which are known, such as a voiceactivated input unit, an infrared remote control, a full keyboard or anyother type of electronic or manual data input means. Additionally, theoutput portion of the AVI 46 may include any type of output means suchas a stereo system or a heads-up display.

The electromechanical interface 44 provides an electrical coupling tothe electromechanical systems of the vehicle over which the mobile unit16 has control. These systems may include the radio, lights, horn,windows, locks, steering, breaking, and any other electromechanicalsystems of the vehicle.

Communications between mobile units 16 using the vehicle communicationsystem 10 are accomplished through a stream of transmitted communicationpackets 50. As shown in FIG. 3A, each communication packet 50 includes aheader 51 and a payload 53. The header 51 includes a plurality ofpredefined information fields which provide information regarding theparticular communication, the sender which originated the communication,and the receiver to which the communication is destined. It should berecognized that a voice or data communication may be segmented or“packetized” and transmitted using a plurality of packets 50. Thepresent invention is not restricted to transmitting a communicationhaving a predefined length. Accordingly, the payload 53 may include onlya portion of the communication that is sent between mobile units 16, anda single communication may be sent using a plurality of packets 50.Communications may include data transmissions, such as uploads from themobile unit 16, downloads to the mobile unit 16, or voicecommunications.

Referring to FIG. 3B, the header 51 includes a plurality of informationfields which can be generally categorized by three different functionalgroups: 1) transmission administrative information 55; 2) senderinformation 56; and 3) receiver information 57. These fields will beexplained in greater detail hereinafter.

Referring to FIG. 3C, the information fields associated with thetransmission administration 55 are shown. These fields provideinformation that defines the particular communication being transmitted.Although the number of fields vary, and the type of fields described maychange depending on the particular communication and the requirements ofthe system 10, in one embodiment of the present invention, the fieldsassociated with transmission administration 55 include, the followingfields: security 61; priority 62; in system/out of system 63;broadcast/point-to-point 64; communication identifier (data/voice) 65;communication type (information/control) 66; and communication length(standalone or continuous) 67.

Since the vehicle communication system 10 in accordance with the presentinvention permits control of a vehicle and overall control of thecommunication system 10 by law enforcement authorities via a “securityinstruction”, the system 10 has a plurality of security levels to ensurethat unauthorized individuals will not use the system 10 for subversivepurposes. Optionally, driver may override law enforcement. The system 10may ask for permission for law enforcement to control vehicle. Thesecurity field 61 is defined as follows:

0—Access to all functions of the vehicle communication system 10,including the physical control of the vehicle and all of the informationstored within the memory 41.

1—Access only to the physical control of the vehicle.

2—Access only to the information stored within the memory 41.

3—Access for transmitting and receiving communications.

4—Access only to receiving communications.

The security field 61 may also include a security code, which permitsauthentication of the entity sending the security instruction. Asaforementioned, it should be understood by those skilled in the art thatadditional fields may be added or defined as desired to increase thefunctionality of the system 10 or the security layers. Additionally, itshould be recognized that although the system 10 is capable of a broadrange of functionality, there are legal implications to implementing allof the functionality. For example, a court order would most likely benecessary before permitting law enforcement officials access toinformation in, or control of, the mobile unit 16.

The priority field 62 is an indicator of the urgency of the transmittedcommunication. The priority field 62 can be a numeric priority from oneto ten; with urgent communications having the highest priority of one(e.g., communications from law enforcement officials) and non-urgentcommunications having the lowest priority of ten (e.g., advertisements).

The in system/out of system field 63 indicates whether the communicationis destined for, or originated from, another mobile unit 16 or an entitylocated outside of the vehicle communication system 10. Communicationswith entities outside the vehicle communication system 10 can be routedbetween the mobile unit 16 and the outside entity over the PSTN 22.

The broadcast/point-to-point field 64 identifies whether the message isintended for broadcast to all mobile units 16 or whether it is intendedto be routed to a particular mobile unit 16. As will be explained indetail hereinafter, the receiver field 57 will specify the particularaddress, or multiple addresses, of the mobile units 16 to which thecommunication will be transmitted.

The communication identifier field 65 identifies whether thecommunication is a voice or data transmission since each transmissionmay be encoded and processed differently by the receiving microprocessor40.

The communication type field 66 identifies whether the communicationcomprises information for output to the user via the AVI 46, or whetherthe information is a control instruction that will permitelectromechanical control of the vehicle.

The communication length field 67 indicates whether the entirecommunication is included within the current packet 50, or whether thepacket 50 is part of a multi-packet communication.

Referring to FIG. 3D, the fields associated with the sender portion 56of the header 51 include identification number 71, position 72, speed73, acceleration or deceleration 74, direction 75, origination 76, anddestination 77, and may include additional optional fields 78 asspecified by the vehicle operator.

The identification number 71 provides a unique identification for thesending mobile unit 16. The identification number may be the vehiclelicense number with two additional letters representing the state wherethe license plate was issued, such as PA for Pennsylvania. Dependingupon system administration, the identification number 71 may furtherrelate to one or more individual operators of the vehicle. As shown inFIG. 3F, the identification number field 71 may include a plurality ofsubfields including vehicle code 81, number of authorized vehicleoperators 82, and a vehicle operator identification number 83_(a, b . . . n) for each operator. This feature is particularly usefulif the vehicle is part of a commercial fleet of vehicles with multipledrivers. Upon turning on the vehicle, the vehicle operator inputs theiridentification number 71. This number 71 is compared to the list ofauthorized operators previously stored in memory 41. If the inputoperator identification number 71 matches favorably with one of theauthorized operators previously stored in memory 41, operation of thevehicle is permitted; if not, operation is denied. Optionally, licenseplate, registration, insurance information and driver's licenseinformation can be additional fields stored with the identificationnumber 71.

Use of a vehicle operator identification number 71, such as a driver'slicense, also permits different operators to use the vehicle whileretaining their distinct identity and storing information particular tothat vehicle operator, similar to a screen name for Internet use such asthe America Online (AOL) system.

Referring back to FIG. 3D, the next four fields associated with thesender portion 56 of the header 51 include position 72, speed 73,acceleration or deceleration 74, and direction 75, which areautomatically created from the information obtained from the sender'sGPS receiver 35.

The origination field 76 includes the location of the vehicle when thevehicle was turned on. The destination field 77 includes the destinationof the vehicle. This, of course, requires that the destination be inputinto the mobile unit 16, such as when a destination is input into anavigation system. It should be understood that the mobile unit operatormay override certain fields to ensure that this information is notobtained by other mobile unit operators. For example, the origination 76and destination fields 77, which may include personal information thatthe mobile unit operator does not desire other mobile unit operators tohave access to, may include null data such that the sender's destinationand origination will be listed as “not available” to the receiver. Thevehicle operator configures their mobile unit 16 as desired to specifywhich fields should be transmitted with null data.

Referring to FIG. 3E, the fields associated with the receiver portion 56of the header 51 are shown in greater detail. As discussed withreference to FIG. 3C, the broadcast or point-to-point field 64 indicateswhether the communication is destined for one, multiple, or alloperators. If the communication is to be broadcast to all mobile unitoperators, the number of addressees field 79 is designated as zero,indicating that all operators will receive the communication. Forpoint-to-point or point-to-multipoint communications, (whereby aplurality of operators may be included within a conversation orcommunication), the number of addressees field 79 includes the number ofoperators which will be receiving the communication. For example, if apoint-to-point communication is desired, the number of addressees field79 will include the number one (1) and address field number one 80 awill be the only field which includes an address. If apoint-to-multipoint communication is desired between, for example fouradditional mobile unit operators, the number of addresses field 79 willinclude the number four (4) and address fields one through four 80 a–dwill include the addresses of the four receivers to be sent thecommunication.

Once all of the aforementioned fields have been populated with theinformation, the microprocessor 40 builds each communication packet 50and forwards the packet 50 to the transceiver 32 for transmission. Thepackets 50 are preferably transmitted to the base station 14, and thenforwarded to the base station controller 20. The base station controller20 routes all of the communication packets 50 to the specifiedaddresses, either to one or more mobile unit operators, one or moreoutside entities, or both. This routing function is the same as anInternet router, whereby the destination address or addresses are readby the router and the communication packet 50 is forwarded to thoseaddresses. If the communication packet 50 is to be forwarded to multipleaddresses or broadcast to all addresses, the base station controller 20provides such a routing function.

The base station controller 20 may also confirm to sender whether or nota signal has been received by the recipient. In an alternativeembodiment, each communication may require a confirmation packet be sentfrom the recipient to the sender to provide the confirmation. Using suchan embodiment, the sending mobile unit operator will know whether or notthe communication packet 50 has reached its destination.

Although the present invention has been explained with reference to aplurality of base stations 14 and a base station controller 20, thesystem 10 can also use technology similar to Bluetooth wirelesstechnology. Using technology such as Bluetooth allows mobile units andbase stations to communicate through other mobile units and base units(i.e., repeaters). This permits a wireless interconnect between mobiledevices, and between mobile devices and their peripherals. The mobiledevices can form a secure piconet and communicate among the connecteddevices. Accordingly, using this technology, mobile units 16 can talkdirectly to other mobile units 16 without the intervention of the basestations 14 and the base station controller 20.

It is intended that the present invention be used with any type ofwireless communication standard including Bluetooth or other wireless ordata transmission standard. The particular standard used in transmittingthe data is not critical since there are many types of wirelesstechnologies and standards that can be used to transfer informationbetween mobile units 16. It should be recognized that any of thecommunications could be encrypted by currently known technologies sothat only certain authorized mobile units can communicate with eachother. For example, if two users were communicating with one another andeither requested a private conversation, the system can immediatelyencrypt their communication.

As should be understood by those of skill in the art, if the address ofthe receiver is outside of the system 10 and must be routed via the PSTN22, the base station controller 20 formats the communication packet 50in a format that may be handled by the PSTN 22. Although the presentinvention has been explained using a general packet 50 “structure” asillustrated by FIGS. 3A–3F, this structure is intended to serve as anexample of the information to be transmitted by the system 10 in eachcommunication. It is not the intention herein to specify a newcommunication standard, since the present invention may be utilized withany current or future wireless communication standard. For example, thepackets 50 transmitted over the vehicle communication system 10 may usethe Internet Protocol (IP) format, such that they may be transmittedseamlessly to any communication system which uses the IP format. Thediscussion of the particular format and/or conversion to another formatfor forwarding over the PSTN 22 is outside the scope of the presentinvention.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the memory 41 is used to store informationwhich populates the aforementioned fields. As will be described ingreater detail hereinafter with reference to FIG. 4C, the memory 41 isalso used to store other detailed information which may be helpful tothe mobile unit operator, other mobile unit operators, the base stationcontroller 20, or law enforcement agencies. The information stored inmemory 41 may originate from a received communication, or may be inputinto the mobile unit via the AVI 46. For example, information that isspecific to a particular operator, such as those fields illustrated inFIG. 4C, may be input by the mobile unit operator via the AVI 46.

Referring to FIG. 4A, one of the uses of the memory 41 is toautomatically store a current vehicle activity log 90 and previouslyentered logs. The vehicle activity log 90 includes a plurality of fieldsincluding the time 90 a, date 90 b, position 90 c, speed 90 d,acceleration/deceleration 90 e, and direction 90 f of the vehicle. Thislog 90 is updated on a periodic basis as determined by the mobile unitoperator. For example, private individuals may desire the log 90 to beupdated every 15 minutes whereas commercial businesses may require thelog 90 to be updated every 15 seconds or even less. It should berealized that the vehicle activity log 90, if updated on the order offractions of a second, would be extremely useful during accidentreconstruction.

Referring to FIG. 4B, a vehicle communication log 92 is shown. Thecommunication log 92 includes the following fields: the time of thecommunication 92 a; the date of the communication 92 b; an indication ofwhether the communication was incoming or outgoing 92 c; the address(es)of the communicating entity 92 d; the priority of the communication 92e; an indication of whether the communication is broadcast orpoint-to-point 92 f; an indication of whether the communicating entityis within the system or outside the system 92 g; the security level ofthe communicating entity 92 h; an indication of whether thecommunication is data or voice 92 i; an indication of whether thecommunication is information or control 92 j; and the actual contents ofthe communication 92 k. The vehicle communication log 92 continuallytracks each ongoing communication and stores the contents of thecommunication in the contents field 92 k and all of the relatedinformation in the remaining fields 92 a–j.

Referring to FIG. 4C, a operator may input via the AVI 46 a plurality offields related to the specific user and/or vehicle in a user log 105.One example of a user log 105 is shown in FIG. 4C which includes thefollowing fields: registration number 105 a; insurance company 105 b;insurance policy number 105 c; vehicle make 105 d; vehicle model 105 e;vehicle color 105 f; other identifying information 105 g; vehicle modelyear 105 h; EZpass number 105 i; garage parking account number 105 j;garage door access code 105 k; driving record 105 l; and credit cardinformation 105 m. There is no limit to the number of fields which maybe stored in the user log 105, and all fields can be defined by themobile unit operator. Since many of these fields include sensitiveinformation, the mobile unit operator may decide not to send anyinformation from the user log 105 and the microprocessor 40, whenconstructing the data packets, will place null data in those fields.

The procedure utilized by the microprocessor 40 upon receipt of acommunication packet 50 is shown in FIG. 5. The microprocessor 40 firstdetermines whether the incoming packet 50 is addressed to the specificmobile unit 16. Accordingly, at step 502, the microprocessor determineswhether the incoming packet is a broadcast, and at step 504, themicroprocessor determines whether the specific address matches themobile unit address. If either of these determinations is affirmative,the new packet is stored (step 506). The microprocessor then determinesif there are other communication packets pending for processing (step508). If no other packets are pending, the new packet is processed (step510). If applicable, any packets in the queue are reprioritized inaccordance with the priority of each packet (step 512) which, in thecase where no other packets are pending, would not be necessary. Themicroprocessor then goes on to reviewing the next packet step (514).

If it has been determined in step 508 that other packets are pending,the priority of all of the pending packets are reviewed (step 516) and adetermination is made (step 518) whether the pending packets have alower priority than the new packet. If the new packet has a higherpriority then the pending packets, the microprocessor halts processingof the pending packet currently being processed (step 520), re-storesthe pending packet into memory (step 522), and proceeds with processingthe new packet (step 510).

If, however, the pending packets do not have a lower priority than thenew packet, the microprocessor stores the new packet in a queue with allother pending packets (step 524) and continues to process the pendingpacket (step 526). In this manner, the microprocessor 40 is able toprocess higher priority packets first, and delay processing of lowerpriority packets to a more appropriate time when the microprocessor hasthe proper resources.

Optionally, even if the microprocessor determines in steps 502 and 504that the communication is not addressed to the particular mobile unit16, either as point-to-point communication or as part of a broadcastcommunication, the microprocessor may still undertake minimal processingof such packets. This is performed in step 530 whereby a contact log iscreated.

As shown in FIG. 4D, the contact log 110 may include a minimum number offields such as the time 110 a, date 110 b, address 110 c, color 110 d,make 110 e, and model 110 f of the vehicle related to the incomingcommunication packet 50. The number and type of fields is determined bythe mobile unit operator. The payload of the packet may not be stored.The contact log 110 is used by the microprocessor 40 to search for“matches” with other mobile unit operators. Upon request by the mobileunit operator, the microprocessor 40 searches the contact log 110 forany addresses (i.e., sending addresses) that have multiple entries inthe log 110. Once the microprocessor 40 searches the contact log 110 andoutputs the addresses which show up on the contact log 110 greater thana certain frequency threshold as set by the mobile unit operator, theoperator can determine whether those addresses should be placed in a“commuter” log; which is a list of mobile unit operators as identifiedby their addresses.

This information is provided to the mobile unit operator via the AVI 46.This permits the operator to identify, either graphically as located ona real-time map or via a list, other mobile unit operators which may bein the vicinity during a certain portion of the day. For example, duringa commute to work if other mobile unit operators are typically withinthe vicinity of the present mobile unit operator during a certain timeof day, a “partner log” may be created by each mobile unit operator topermit mobile unit operators to identify, contact, and establish arapport with other mobile unit operators.

Since the communication packet headers 51 include detailed informationabout other mobile units 16, the system 10 can provide flexibility incontacting other mobile unit operators in the vicinity. For example, ifa mobile unit operator observes a vehicle that they would like toestablish a private conversation with, the operator may command themobile unit 16 to “talk” to the blue car. If more than one mobile unit16 is in a blue car in the vicinity, the microprocessor 40 can filterthe commuter log to vehicles having the color blue. If more than oneblue car was in the vicinity, the microprocessor 40 presents the makeand model of each blue car and requests further instructions.

Since all of the detailed information is available in the packet header51, the system 10 can provide the speed, direction, and location of theother vehicle in relation to the present vehicle. This information isalso important in order to evaluate whether another mobile unit 16 willbe available for a conversation having a duration of a minimum length.For example, if a mobile unit operator notes that one of the operatorson his partner log is currently traveling in the vicinity, and themobile unit operator would like to establish communications with theother mobile unit operator, the system 10 can calculate the duration ofa potential conversation based upon the speed and direction of bothvehicles and their ultimate destinations, if available. The system 10can combine that information and advise both mobile unit operators by anaudible alarm or a voice message that there is a certain amount of timeleft in the conversation. The microprocessor 40 can also filter out anymobile units 16 that will not be in the range long enough to establish areasonable conversation.

At step 540, the microprocessor 40 reviews all incoming communicationpackets 50 to determine if a particular communication packet 50originates from an address that is on the operator's partner log. As thecommunication packets 50 are reviewed at step 540, the mobile unitoperator is notified and can decide whether or not they want toestablish a communication with the particular mobile unit operatorhaving the address that has compared favorably with the partner log. Itshould be noted that mobile unit operators can block out transmissionsbeing received from particular individuals or cancel conversations atanytime. Further, mobile unit operators can require information such asdrivers license, license plate, and registration to be provided beforethey allow any other transmissions to be received.

Referring to FIG. 6, the procedure for processing communication packets50 by the microprocessor 40 is shown. The microprocessor first parsesthe packets into separate fields (step 602) and stores all of the fieldsthat do not require additional processing (step 604). The microprocessorthen determines whether a packet includes a data communication byviewing the communication identifier field (step 606). If themicroprocessor determines that the packet is not carrying a datacommunication, then it is a voice communication and the microprocessorprocesses the communication as such (step 608).

If the packet includes a data communication, the microprocessor mustmake a determination whether the data communication is a controlcommunication (step 610). If it is not a control communication, the datacommunication is an information communication and it is processed assuch (step 612). Examples of packets which include informationcommunications include audio, visual, and text files that are downloadedover the Internet, facsimile transmissions, and transmissions fromperipheral devices such as laptop computers, handheld devices, and thelike.

If it has been determined that the packet includes a controlcommunication, the communication is processed as such (step 614). Themicroprocessor compares the control instruction to the security levelrequired (step 616). This includes reviewing the security field,including the optional security access code. If the security access codeis proper (i.e., authorized), the security level is reviewed and themicroprocessor makes a determination of whether the security level issufficient (step 618). If so, the microprocessor performs the controlinstruction (step 620). If not, the microprocessor generates atransmission to the sender of the control instruction that they are notauthorized to control the particular mobile unit (step 622). Themicroprocessor 40 also notifies the particular mobile unit operator thata control attempt was made and was unsuccessful. This will alert themobile unit operator that someone may be utilizing the system forsubversive purposes. Optionally, the system may require the mobile unitoperator to authorize their vehicle to accept a control instruction,prior to undertaking any control instructions. Once the processing ofthe packet is performed, the microprocessor goes to the next packet(step 624).

With respect to the step of performing a control instruction (step 620),this may include instructions for the microprocessor to exertelectromechanical control over certain aspects of the vehicle'soperation, or may simply include a request for the microprocessor toupload data to the recipient. For example, if the control instruction isa request for the microprocessor to upload information, themicroprocessor may upload one or a plurality of the fields shown in FIG.4C.

In a first example relating to a request for information, if the vehicleis entering a toll booth which utilizes the EZpass system, the controlinstruction from the transmitting toll booth may request that the EZpassnumber be transmitted. The microprocessor 40 will transmit the number inthe EZpass number field shown in FIG. 4C in response thereto.

In a second example relating to a request for information, a request forinformation may occur in a parking garage, gas station, or any otherestablishment which requires payment from the vehicle operator, such asa drive-in fast-food restaurant. In this example, the vehicle operatorwill drive up to an ordering kiosk and order the desired food. After thefood has been ordered, the driver pulls up to the window whereby theproper food order is presented to the driver. Meanwhile, therestaurant's communication system sends a communication requesting thecredit card information for billing purposes. The information shown inthe credit card information field 105 m of FIG. 4C can then be presentedto the communication system of the restaurant for payment. Optionally,the mobile unit operator may require that they must first approve of anyinformation being released. Moreover, the communication log for both thefast-food restaurant and the vehicle may store the communication notingthe charge amount. For the vehicle it can be a “virtual receipt”.

With respect to an instruction which exerts electromechanical controlover the vehicle, as shown in FIG. 2, the electromechanical interface 44will interface with those systems of the vehicle over which the mobileunit 16 has control. These systems may include the radio, lights, horn,steering, breaking, and any other electromechanical systems of thevehicle. For example, if a mobile unit operator is listening to theirfavorite radio station and a point-to-point or broadcast communicationis received by the mobile unit 16, the microprocessor 40 through theelectromechanical interface 44 will stop the radio, or turn down thevolume of the radio, so that a conversation can commence.

It should be understood that due to the amount of information set forthin the header 51 of each communication packet 50, the system 10 providesflexibility in processing and filtering communications. For example, themicroprocessor 40 can be programmed to accept only communications fromcertain makes and models of vehicles. As such, the system 10 set up aspart of a Mercedes can be programmed by the manufacturer to be able totalk to only other Mercedes operators.

The present invention has the ability to increase safety to drivers andcan be a valuable resource for emergency services personnel and a lawenforcement personnel. For example, emergency vehicles can automaticallysend signals to warn motorists that an emergency vehicle is approaching.This may supplement the emergency light and siren which are standard onemergency vehicles. Since the packets 50 are prioritized, acommunication sent from an emergency vehicle in transit may have thehighest priority and can override all other signals having a lowerpriority. At the scene of an accident, the signal output from anemergency vehicle may, at a slightly lower priority, transmitinstructions for avoiding the accident scene and may provide detourinstructions.

With respect to motor vehicle code enforcement, law enforcement agenciescan automatically review the status of a driver, vehicle registration,and insurance and may provide warnings for expired or soon to be expiredlicense, registrations, or insurance policies.

If an authorized operator has gained access to the vehicle and has notinput the proper operator identification number, the microprocessor 40can transmit an emergency instruction to alert law enforcement agenciesthat the vehicle has been stolen. The signal sent from the vehicle canautomatically include the vehicle's position, speed, acceleration ordeceleration rate, and direction. Law enforcement officials may send aninstruction in response to limit the vehicle speed to no greater than 30miles per hour until the unauthorized operator of the vehicle isapprehended. It should be noted that various fixed units may bestrategically placed along highways, major intersections, toll booths,and bridges to monitor traffic and to relay messages back to lawenforcement agencies.

Another law enforcement use can be to limit speeding of vehicles bynotifying law enforcement agencies when a vehicle has exceeded a certainspeed limit, e.g., 20% over the speed limit. A law enforcement official,in response, may send an instruction for the vehicle to slow down orrisk a traffic citation. This can eliminate the need for “speed traps”and high speed police chases.

For public safety applications, specifically located fixed units canwarn drivers as the vehicle approaches a traffic light at anintersection that the vehicle must slow down or stop because it will not“make” the green light. The traffic light can make this determinationbased upon the speed and direction of the mobile unit and the cycle ofthe traffic light. Other selectively placed fixed units can warn driversthat an intersection or roadway is dangerous for various reasons, suchas an accident, a sharp bend, or heavy traffic. The signals output bythese locations can be periodically updated as weather and trafficconditions change. In the same manner, vehicles may be warned that aparticular vehicle is driving in an erratic manner or that lawenforcement officials are currently involved in a pursuit of thevehicle. The warnings to drivers are output through the AVI 46 and mayinclude an audible warning, or may include a status light such as red,yellow, and green being located on the graphical operator interface ofthe AVI 46. In extreme circumstances, selectively placed fixed units mayautomatically overtake control of a vehicle, for example, duringextremely icy conditions to slow the vehicle prior to the danger zone.

It should be noted that although the mobile units 16 were describedhereinbefore as being located in a vehicle or in a fixed location, theycan be incorporated as part of a cellular phone or other portablecommunication device.

The present invention is particularly adaptable for interfacing with theInternet and providing a wealth of information for all mobile unitoperators. In one Internet-related embodiment such as vehicletalk.com,the website permits storage of information and system administrationthrough the Internet. A system administrator operating at the website orthe base station controller 20 monitors and tracks all mobile units 16.Through the system administrator, the fixed locations are provided withweather and traffic updates or advertisements which are specificallygeared to the immediate vicinity of the fixed unit. In this manner,advertisers advertise both on the vehicletalk.com website and advertisetheir companies and products as vehicles approach or pass certainproperties, stores, or business locations. This also permits stores toprovide information to vehicles arriving or leaving the place ofbusiness, such as directions for parking or thanking them for theirpatronage.

The system administrator also provides centralized housekeepingfunctions in order to track all different types of information that aretypically a nuisance to vehicle operators, such as the date theirregistration and insurance policy expire. The system administrator alsotracks general vehicle maintenance information and traffic violationrecords. The tracking of vehicle maintenance can be particularly usefulwhen a recall notification is issued from a manufacturer or even whenregularly scheduled maintenance is required.

In a second Internet-related embodiment, the system 10 is used to aidlaw enforcement officials and insurance companies to determine when atraffic accident has occurred and to collect all of the detailedinformation regarding the traffic accident. This function is centralizedin a website such as vehicleaccident.com. When an accident occurs, asignal is automatically sent to all vehicles involved (or in thevicinity) to transmit all pertinent information to vehicleaccident.com.This can include time, speed, direction, acceleration and deceleration,duration of trip, and other pertinent information such as the vehiclemaintenance records, traffic citation records, insurance, andregistration information. The system 10 permits all of this informationto be stored in a centralized location at vehicleaccident.com for laterreview by law enforcement officials. The system 10 also stores lawenforcement officials reports regarding the accident.

The insurance industry should benefit by having mobile unit operatorsagree in advance to accept a fact finding by an officer utilizing all ofthe information from the mobile units 16. This avoids costly litigationand subrogation. A mobile unit operator accepting these terms may bepermitted special insurance discounts for agreeing to such.

In another embodiment, the system can provide mobile units that does notinclude a GPS unit. It can be similar to portable phone(s) operating onthe same frequency(s). If a user tunes their radio to a particularstation, they can receive a transmission through their car stereosystem. The mobile unit, in this instance, can have the microphoneinside of it so a user can speak “hands free”. This embodiment allowsthe mobile unit to beep (or voice activate) if another user comes withinrange, advising both mobile units that they have someone they can talkto. The mobile unit detects another mobile unit by actually receivingthe signal of the other mobile unit. Accordingly, positioning of eithermobile unit is not required.

Although the invention has been described in part by making detailedreference to preferred embodiments, such detail is intended to beinstructive rather than restrictive. It will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art that many variations may be made in the structure andmode of operation without departing from the scope of the invention asdisclosed in the teachings herein.

1. A method for alerting a remote user to an emergency situation via amobile unit installed in a vehicle, comprising: determining a geographiclocation of the mobile unit; determining an identity of the vehiclebased on a unique identification stored in the mobile unit; determininga priority level associated with the emergency situation; assembling aheader of a communication, the header including the geographic locationof the mobile unit, the identity of the vehicle and the priority level,the header capable of being processed upon receipt by a second mobileunit to alert the remote user of the second mobile unit of the emergencysituation based on the geographic location of the mobile unit, theidentity of the vehicle and the priority level; and transmitting thecommunication to the second mobile unit.
 2. The method of claim 1wherein the mobile unit includes a global positioning system receiverand the step of determining includes using the global positioning systemreceiver to automatically determine the geographic location of themobile unit.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the priority level isassociated with an emergency situation selected from the groupconsisting of: an emergency vehicle, an accident scene, road conditions,traffic signal, weather conditions, traffic conditions and detourinstructions.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the communicationincludes a payload, the payload including data relating to the emergencysituation.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the unique identificationincludes data selected from the group consisting of: a vehicle licensenumber, a vehicle license number and state identifier, an identifier ofa user of the vehicle, vehicle registration information, insuranceinformation and a driver's license number of a user of the vehicle.
 6. Amethod for alerting a user to an emergency situation via a mobile unitinstalled in a vehicle, comprising: receiving a communication from abroadcasting mobile unit; processing a header of the communication todetermine a geographic location of the broadcasting mobile unit, anidentification of a vehicle associated with the broadcasting mobile unitand a priority level of the emergency situation; determining ageographic location of the mobile unit; alerting the user of theemergency situation based on the geographic location of the mobile unit,the geographic location of the broadcasting mobile unit, theidentification of the vehicle associated with the broadcasting mobileunit and the priority level.
 7. The method of claim 6 wherein the mobileunit includes a global positioning system receiver and the step ofdetermining includes using the global positioning system receiver toautomatically determine the geographic location of the mobile unit. 8.The method of claim 6 wherein the mobile unit is in communication with avisual indicator within the vehicle and the step of alerting furtherincludes communicating with the visual indicator within the vehicle toalert the user.
 9. The method of claim 6 wherein the mobile unit is incommunication with an audio indicator within the vehicle and the step ofalerting further includes communicating with the audio indicator withinthe vehicle to alert the user.
 10. The method of claim 6 wherein thestep of alerting further includes transmitting a signal through anelectro-mechanical interface to control at least one electro-mechanicalsystem of the vehicle in response to the emergency situation.
 11. Amethod for selectively distributing information from a transmittingmobile unit to a plurality of receiving mobile units installed invehicles, comprising: receiving a geographic location for each receivingmobile unit; obtaining an identity of each vehicle based on a uniqueidentification associated with each mobile unit; determining a subset ofthe plurality of mobile units based on the geographic location of eachmobile unit; determining a priority level associated with theinformation; assembling a header of a communication associated with thesubset of the plurality of mobile units, the header including the uniqueidentification associated with each of the mobile units of the subsetand the priority level, the header capable of being processed uponreceipt by each mobile unit of the subset to alert a remote user of therespective mobile unit to the communication; and transmitting thecommunication directly from the transmitting mobile unit to theplurality of receiving mobile units.
 12. The method of claim 11 furtherincluding: determining at least one of a current speed and currentdirection for each mobile unit; and the step of determining a subset ofthe plurality of mobile units is further based on at least one of thecurrent speed and current direction of each mobile unit.
 13. The methodof claim 11 further including comparing the unique identificationassociated with each mobile unit to a contact log, and wherein the stepof determining a subset of the plurality of mobile units is furtherbased on the step of comparing.
 14. The method of claim 11 wherein thecommunication includes advertising information.
 15. A method forproviding an advisory communication from a transmitting first mobileunit installed in a first vehicle to a remote user via a second mobileunit installed in a vehicle, comprising: determining a geographiclocation of the first mobile unit; determining an identity of the firstvehicle based on a unique identification associated with a the firsttransmitting mobile unit; determining a priority level associated withthe advisory communication; assembling a header of a communication, theheader including the geographic location of the first mobile unit, theidentity of the first vehicle and the priority level, the header capableof being processed upon receipt by the second mobile unit to alert theremote user of the second mobile unit to the advisory communication;assembling a payload of the communication, the payload includinginformation relating to the advisory communication; and transmitting thecommunication from the first mobile unit to the second mobile unit. 16.The method of claim 15 wherein the advisory communication is a situationselected from the group consisting of: an emergency vehicle, an accidentscene, road conditions, traffic signal, weather conditions, trafficconditions and detour instructions.
 17. The method of claim 15 whereinthe payload includes advertising information.
 18. A mobile unitinstalled in a vehicle for alerting a remote user to an emergencysituation, comprising: means for determining a geographic location ofthe mobile unit; means for determining an identity of the vehicle basedon a unique identification stored in the mobile unit; means fordetermining a priority level associated with the emergency situation;means for assembling a header of a communication, the header includingthe geographic location of the mobile unit, the identity of the vehicleand the priority level, the header capable of being processed uponreceipt by a second mobile unit to alert the remote user of the secondmobile unit of the emergency situation based on the geographic locationof the mobile unit, the identity of the vehicle and the priority level;and means for transmitting the communication to the second mobile unit.19. The mobile unit of claim 18 wherein the mobile unit includes aglobal positioning system receiver and the means for determining usesthe global positioning system receiver to automatically determine thegeographic location of the mobile unit.
 20. The mobile unit of claim 18wherein the priority level is associated with a situation selected fromthe group consisting of: an emergency vehicle, an accident scene, roadconditions, traffic signal, weather conditions, traffic conditions anddetour instructions.
 21. The mobile unit of claim 18 wherein thecommunication includes a payload, the payload including data relating tothe emergency situation.
 22. The mobile unit of claim 18 wherein theunique identification includes data selected from the group consistingof: a vehicle license number, a vehicle license number and stateidentifier, an identifier of a user of the vehicle, vehicle registrationinformation, insurance information and a driver's license number of auser of the vehicle.
 23. A mobile unit for alerting a user to anemergency situation via a mobile unit installed in a vehicle,comprising: means for receiving a communication from a broadcastingmobile unit; means for processing a header of the communication todetermine a geographic location of the broadcasting mobile unit, anidentification of a vehicle associated with the broadcasting mobile unitand a priority level of the emergency situation; means for determining ageographic location of the mobile unit; means for alerting the user ofthe emergency situation based on the geographic location of the mobileunit, the geographic location of the broadcasting mobile unit, theidentification of the vehicle associated with the broadcasting mobileunit and the priority level.
 24. The mobile unit of claim 23 wherein themobile unit includes a global positioning system receiver and the meansfor determining uses the global positioning system receiver toautomatically determine the geographic location of the mobile unit. 25.The mobile unit of claim 23 wherein the mobile unit is in communicationwith a visual indicator within the vehicle and the means for alertingcommunicates with the visual indicator within the vehicle to alert theuser.
 26. The mobile unit of claim 23 wherein the mobile unit is incommunication with an audio indicator within the vehicle and the meansfor alerting communicates with the audio indicator within the vehicle toalert the user.
 27. The mobile unit of claim 23 wherein the means foralerting transmits a signal through an electro-mechanical interface tocontrol at least one electro-mechanical system of the vehicle inresponse to the emergency situation.
 28. A system for selectivelydistributing information from a transmitting mobile unit to a pluralityof receiving mobile units installed in vehicles, comprising: means forreceiving a geographic location for each receiving mobile unit; meansfor obtaining an identity of each vehicle based on a uniqueidentification associated with each mobile unit; means for determining asubset of the plurality of mobile units based on the geographic locationof each mobile unit; means for determining a priority level associatedwith the information; means for assembling a header of a communicationassociated with each mobile unit of the subset, each header includingthe unique identification associated with the respective mobile unit andthe priority level, each header capable of being processed upon receiptby the respective mobile unit to alert a remote user of the respectivemobile unit to the communication; and means for transmitting thecommunication directly from the transmitting mobile unit to theplurality of receiving mobile units.
 29. The system of claim 28 furtherincluding: means for determining at least one of a current speed andcurrent direction for each mobile unit; and the means for determining asubset of the plurality of mobile units is further operative todetermine the subset based on at least one of the current speed andcurrent direction of each mobile unit.
 30. The system of claim 28further including means for comparing the unique identificationassociated with each mobile unit to a contact log, and wherein the meansfor determining a subset of the plurality of mobile units is furtheroperative to determine the subset based on a comparison of the uniqueidentification associated with each mobile unit to the contact log. 31.The system of claim 28 wherein the communication includes advertisinginformation.
 32. A system for providing an advisory communication from atransmitting first mobile unit installed in a first vehicle to a remoteuser via a second mobile unit installed in a vehicle, comprising: meansfor determining a geographic location of the first mobile unit; meansfor determining an identity of the first vehicle based on a uniqueidentification associated with a the first transmitting mobile unit;means for determining a priority level associated with the advisorycommunication; means for assembling a header of a communication, theheader including the geographic location of the first mobile unit, theidentity of the first vehicle and the priority level, the header capableof being processed upon receipt by the second mobile unit to alert theremote user of the second mobile unit to the advisory communication;means for assembling a payload of the communication, the payloadincluding information relating to the advisory communication; and meansfor transmitting the communication from the first mobile unit to thesecond mobile unit.
 33. The system of claim 32 wherein the advisorycommunication is a situation selected from the group consisting of: anemergency vehicle, an accident scene, road conditions, traffic signal,traffic conditions, weather conditions and detour instructions.
 34. Thesystem of claim 32 wherein the payload includes advertising information.35. The system of claim 32 wherein the transmitting unit is a mobileunit installed in a vehicle.
 36. The system of claim 32 wherein thetransmitting unit is a base unit.